Set in Nevada in the 1860s, Bonanza chronicled the adventures of the Cartwright family who owned a large ranch called The Ponderosa. Ben Cartwright and his three sons, Adam, Hoss, and Joe fought for what was just and decent in a time where lawlessness was common.

The widowed patriarch Ben Cartwright had three sons, each by a different wife: the oldest was the urbane architect Adam Cartwright, who built the ranch house. The second was the warm and lovable giant Eric, better known by his nickname "Hoss." And the youngest was the hotheaded and impetuous Joseph or "Little Joe." They all lived and worked on The Ponderosa. Nearby Virginia City helped populate the episodes with guest starring characters from all over America.

Broadcast between September 1959 and January 1973. Filmed by the National Broadcasting Company at Paramount Studios.


"The Stranger"
Season 1
Episode 24

Ben's past catches up with him, when an inspector from New Orleans arrives in Virginia City. It seems Ben is wanted in New Orleans for murder and must go back to face trial. This puts an end to Ben's run to become governor. Joe decides that it's up to him to set the inspector straight and to make sure that his father doesn't go back to New Orleans with him.